A pair of exciting finishes led to a split of the annual doubleheader between the Ionia and Pewamo-Westphalia softball teams.

In game one, the Bulldogs took an early 1-0 lead that held until the Pirates put together a three-run sixth inning to take a 3-1 lead into the seventh.

In the top of the next frame, the Lady Dawgs found a way to plate two runs of their own to tie it a 3-3.

In the bottom of the seventh, Kelsi Smith got on base and was substituted for by pinch runner Krista Wohlfert. The Pirates moved Wohlfert over to third and with two outs she was able to steal home to give P-W a 4-3 win.

Jordyn Thelen picked up the win in the circle, giving up three runs on 10 hits while walking one and striking out four. Taylor Bovee took the loss for Ionia as she gave up four runs on six hits, walked four and struck out six.

Bovee had a one hitter going into the sixth inning.

At the plate, Megan Nickell went 3-4 with a RBI and Erika Ketchum went 2-4 with a RBI to lead the Bulldogs.

Brooke Lewis paced P-W's offense, going 2-3 with a RBI.

In the nightcap, the Bulldogs fell behind 2-1 early, then rallied to take a 5-2 lead into the seventh inning.

After the first Pirate batter flew out, P-W loaded the bases and plated two runs before Ionia pitcher Bre Miller snagged a low line drive off her shoe tops. She threw the ball over to first to complete a game-ending double play, giving Ionia a 5-4 win.

Taylor Townsend picked up the win in the circle. She gave up four runs on two hits, walked five and struck out three. Miller earned the save.

Whitney Schafer took the loss, giving up five runs on four hits while walking six and striking out three.

Rochelle Burgess went 1-2 at the plate for Ionia, while teammates Ashley White and Bovee each went 1-3 with a RBI.

Jenna Wellman and Carisa Kramer both went 1-3 for the Pirates.

The second game was delayed after Ionia senior Kendra Nickell was injured sliding into third base in the second inning. She was transported to a local medical facility via ambulance.

"The girls were on a mission (after Kendra left)," Ionia coach Judy Becker said. "The girls wanted to give some good news to their teammate.